A brief guide to understanding SEEKING: one of Motional's Social Engagement Subdomains and one of the systems identified by Jaak Panksepp during his forty-plus years of research into emotions. What is SEEKING and why is it important?
SEEKING is one of the subdomains in Motional. It refers to the SEEKING system, one identified by Jaak Panksepp during his forty-plus years of research into emotions and led to the development of what was later called "Affective Neuroscience".
SEEKING refers to the neural circuits and associated brain regions responsible for the drive to explore and engage with the environment. This system is associated with feelings of motivation, curiosity, and pleasure and is activated in response to cues that signal the potential for rewards or positive outcomes. It is located in the sub-cortical region of the brain.
The SEEKING system is vital in promoting exploration, learning, and growth. When activated, children are motivated to seek new experiences and engage with their environment positively and curiously. This can contribute to healthy cognitive and emotional development as children are exposed to new experiences and information that can broaden their perspectives and build their understanding of the world around them.
In terms of safety, the SEEKING system plays an important role. Our bodies are seeking safety constantly. When we feel safe and secure, our SEEKING system can function optimally, allowing us to explore our environment and seek new experiences. The SEEKING system is driven by the neurotransmitter dopamine, released when encountering something novel or rewarding.
However, our SEEKING system becomes inhibited in a threatening or unsafe environment. This is because our brains prioritise survival over exploration, and inhibiting the SEEKING system can help us avoid potential dangers and stay alive. This has a negative effect on our capacity to learn.
Why is SEEKING important?
Teachers, SENDCos, ALNCos and Senior Leads in schools need to be aware of the role of the SEEKING system in emotional development. Providing the sensation of safety (both physical and psychological) ensures the SEEKING system can be fully engaged. It provides access to the part of the brain that deals with learning and applying that learning.
By creating educational experiences that are engaging, challenging, and rewarding, these professionals can help foster the SEEKING system and promote healthy cognitive and emotional development in children. This can include incorporating hands-on and experiential learning opportunities, providing opportunities for students to explore their interests and passions, and creating a positive and supportive learning environment that encourages students to be curious and motivated learners.
Why is SEEKING capitalised?
Jaak Panksepp established this convention. When SEEKING is capitalised, it specifically points to a unique emotional system within the brain, distinguishing it from the common usage of the word 'seeking.'